Honey prices go up as Rosh Hashanah approaches

Wednesday, August 14, 2013 |
Israel Today Staff

Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New Year - is almost upon us (September 4th), and with it the mass consumption of apples and honey, the latter part of which is seeing considerable price increases in Israel.

Israeli media reports that the quality of the Holy Land's apples is particularly good this year. Fifteen thousand tons of apples will be sold on Rosh Hashanah, with a total of 100,000 tons being produced throughout the year.

Israel's apple crop is worth 700 million shekels (196 million US dollars) annually, and 7,000 tons of the fruit are exported every year.

Unlike the apple harvest, however, this year's honey yields were less than impressive. Since it did not rain much from February to April, fewer wild flowers grew, which in turn led to a six percent decline in the amount of honey produced. The price of honey has increased accordingly.

On Rosh Hashanah Israelis consume 1,600 tons of honey. By comparison, 4,000 tons of honey are typically consumed during an entire year.

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